November 2016 - Solid Surface Countertops Toronto: Commercial & Residential

How to Restore a Solid Surface Sink

Do you have a solid surface sink which has seen better days? Something that looked spectacular when it was first installed, but over the years, has become dull and tarnished? Have no fears – often, all a solid surface sink needs is a solid cleaning and some restoration work, rather than replacing the entire unit. With a little elbow grease and a little know-how, you can get your sink looking great once again.

One of the benefits of solid surface is that it’s a non-porous surface, meaning that stains won’t penetrate deep into your sink or countertops. However, regular abrasion from dishes, pots and pans can still occur, which can cause that smooth luster to dull and fade. Thin, built-up layers of grime and gunk can also adhere to the roughened surface, further dulling its look. Some simple maintenance, however, can get it back to looking spic and span once again.

Tools

For a basic restoration, you’ll want to gather some simple tools before you begin:

An abrasive cleaner with bleach, such as Comet.
A scrubbing sponge
An abrasive pad, if you’re in need of especially deep cleaning
A small plastic bristled brush

Cleaning Powder

After wetting the sink, take your cleaning powder and spread it liberally all over your sink basins. You’ll want to leave it on the surface for a couple of hours. That allows the bleach to have time to act on that caked-on food gunk, breaking it down and making it easier to clean.

After those few hours, you’ll want to scrub the sink down with the scrubbing sponge. It’s a good idea to wear gloves during this part of the restoration; the chemicals involved aren’t necessarily dangerous, per se, but they really do a number on exposed skin. For tighter areas around seams and drains, the scrub brush will probably be easier to use, and will help remove any residual staining.

Deep Scratch Repair

If you have any very deep scratches, simply using the cleaning powder will not be sufficient to restoring your sink. At this point, you’ll want to break out the sandpaper.

One of the benefits of solid surface is that the pattern and color goes all the way through the countertop—it’s not just on the surface layer. Therefore, many scratches can actually be sanded out without damaging the look of your sink.

Start with a 400-grit piece of sandpaper, and see if that works. If the scratch remains, continue with more aggressive grits, even down to 60-grit.

The Toughest Scratches

If you’re an expert DYIer, you can handle even deeper scratches than that, though that’s a much more complicated process than simple cleaning and sanding. An old rotary tool, equipped with an aluminum oxide bit, can be used to polish out deep scratches. A diamond cutting wheel can be used to cut a deep groove right on the dark marks, which will remove the scratches but will require them to be filled back in again, using epoxy.

Final Steps

Once you’ve restored your sink, be it with cleansers, sandpaper or epoxy, it should look good as new again. You can keep it looking newer for longer by regularly cleaning it with an abrasive cleaner and pad – it’s much easier to stay on top of cleaning regularly rather than making a major project out of it every few years.

Our trained professionals here can help you if you don’t feel confident dealing with the deepest scratches. If you want the benefit of experienced contractors with years of experience, or simply need some more personalized advice on how to continue, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re glad to help with the fabrication, installation and maintenance of solid surface material, and we promise to bring the absolute best experience to each and every one of our clients.

Installing solid-surface countertops yourself can be a challenging task for even the most avid DYIer. This is why so many professional services exist – to help navigate all the challenges and issues the layman is likely to encounter when trying to get a professional, long-lasting look in their countertops.

If you are an avid DYIer, however, and want to tackle the task yourself, we’re here to give you some basic advice and a guide to some of the procedures involved. If you’re attempting this yourself, these are handy tips to getting started. If you’re hiring a professional, like the experts at Solid Surface Canada, then this guide will tell you what to expect when the contractors begin work.

Level the Base Cabinets

Countertops rest directly atop the cabinets below, and solid surface countertops are no exception. If the cabinets aren’t of a consistent height, then the countertops will not lie flat when finally installed. That could lead to cracking and other structural damage, as well as simply not giving you a uniform work surface to deal with!

If sections of your counters are too high, a belt sander or coping saw can be used to trim them down to size. If they are too low, simple shims can be used to raise the countertop, keeping the height consistent over the length of your counter.

Add the Necessary Supports

Sometimes there will be gaps in your cabinets where you’ll want your countertop to go. Maybe you’re installing a new dishwasher or a small refrigerator – you’ll want your countertop to run over them, but you won’t have cabinets below to provide support. You can use 2×2 lengths of wood, called “cleats”, for support.

Screw the cleats directly into the wall, or into the cabinet bases on either side of the appliance. You’ll want to ensure that these cleats are out of sight, so they don’t interfere with the aesthetics of your kitchen. You’ll also want to ensure that their location won’t interfere with the installation of the appliances later.

Countertop Installation

You’ll want to use painter’s tape along the top edge of your countertops, to prevent the glue from sticking to them. Then, apply a bead of quality construction adhesive atop the cabinets, and gently set the solid surface countertop onto the cabinet tops. This may require two people to ensure everything is laid down gently and smoothly; it can often be too bulky for a single person to complete this task.

When you have the countertop properly aligned, simply push down on the countertop, causing it to bond with the adhesive.

Sink Installation

Most sinks come with a template for cutting. Using this template, carefully sketch out the pattern on the countertop that you’ll be cutting. Make sure that the back of the sink will be a consistent distance from the wall, and that it’s set back far enough so that the sink avoids the base cabinet.

Then, use a hole saw to create a starting place, and a jigsaw to actually cut out the opening for the sink. You’ll want to apply plumber’s putty around the lower edge of the sink to ensure a water-tight seal before setting the sink into the hole.

Push the sink down firmly, and remove any putty that squeezes out. Your sink should come with clamps; use them to secure the sink to the countertops. After that, it’s a matter of just installing the faucet and attaching it to the plumbing.

Conclusion

It’s a complex task, but with the proper tools and expertise, you can successfully install your own countertops.

If, however, you want the benefit of experienced contractors with years of experience, or simply need some more personalized advice on how to continue, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re glad to help with the fabrication and installation of solid surface material, and we promise to bring the absolute best experience to each and every one of our clients.

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